Explore the Property and its Heritage
Arcola Mills is a unique educational and nature center. Situated in a serene historic setting along the St Croix River, on land with a deep legacy to the logging industry and indigenous peoples. Open from May – October Arcola Mills seeks to inspire the human spirt through education, preservation, and renewal through an emphasis on the arts, history, environment.
Explore the Mansion, Grounds & River
At the heart of Arcola Mills is the restored mansion, built in 1847, the oldest timber frame home in Minnesota. Built by the Mower family and then occupied by the Van Meier family who enjoyed life at this historic site.
This site is also of profound cultural importance. Humans have been living and moving in the valley of the St Croix River for 12,000 to 9,000 years. This land was and is the ancestral home of the Dakota people, and since at least the 17th century, the Ojibwe. It is interesting to note the Ho-Chunk, Cheyenne, Otoe, Iowa, and Sac and Fox Tribes acknowledge Minnesota as important to their tribal histories. (from MNHS)
Indigenous peoples used the river St Croix for transportation, food and a vast network of trade. In the mid-sixteenth century Europeans first came and traveled along the river. For almost 200 years, they actively traded goods with the indigenous people. This included trading with Arcola Mills
Explore the original and restored construction and other renovations that make this home one of the most spectacular and story-filled residences in the Midwest. Hiking trails surround the property bringing you one to one with nature and our habitat restoration, home to 7 rare and endangered plants. One of which can only be found at Arcola Mills. St Croix River access provides ecological exploration of the river. Artists, photographers, scientists, naturalists, and birders find Arcola Mills inspirational.
